MAN Energy Solutions (MES) and ABB signed a de-carbonisation co-operation agreement to develop a dual-fuel, electric+ (DFE+) propulsion system for LNGCs at the recent SMM exhibition.
ABB’s Dynamic AC (DAC) technology aims to deliver the operational flexibility shipowners need to cut carbon footprints, as well as LNGC fuel bills, the companies said.
The collaboration covers a joint concept study between the partners sharing technical data, and discussing interfaces and system integration. MES and ABB intend to jointly promote it to customers.
Rune Lysebo, Global Head of Sales, ABB Marine & Ports, said: “Progressive regulations on emissions have called for continuous innovation in marine propulsion. To be truly future-proof, ships that are being built today need to be able to rely on flexibility in energy sourcing. The new power and propulsion system will be optimised for efficiency and compliance, and have the flexibility needed to achieve best performance.”
Elvis Ettenhofer, MES’ Head of Marine 4-Stroke – Region Asia Pacific, added: “Two names like MAN Energy Solutions and ABB coming together to develop an innovative, de-carbonising marine solution sends a strong signal to the market. Customers demand efficient and flexible propulsion concepts so they can react quickly to changing market conditions through the best use of their assets.
“This co-operation with ABB will deliver the technology necessary to provide a new propulsion concept. In turn, this will help our customers to reduce their CO2 footprint and fuel costs, and will provide the flexibility, for example, in operation for different trades or retrofits from an LNG carrier to floating storage units or floating storage regasification units.
“This concept can reduce methane slip and fuel costs compared to conventional diesel-electric propulsion systems. ABB’s DAC and global presence are an ideal match for our new 4-stroke engine,” he said.
The MAN/ABB DFE+ concept comprises:
• Variable-speed operating engines (gensets) over the entire engine load.
• Better efficiency with significant reduction of methane slip over the entire engine map.
While variable-speed applications are well established for liquid-fuel systems up to 10mWe, torque requirements and the low efficiency of first-generation dual-fuel engines – including limitations in the e-systems design for diesel-electric propulsion systems over 10 mWe – killed variable speed for propulsion systems over 10mWe.
ABB’s Dynamic AC technology enables the operation of propulsion systems above 10 mWe at variable speed with all the accompanying benefits.
In combination with the MAN 49/60DF engine (with ALSi – Air Lubrication System interface, as an add-on), the concept will provide customers with next-level efficiency and flexibility, MES claimed.
